Sample Committee Bylaws

The following bylaws are intended as a guide to the development of specific bylaws by each standing and ad hoc committee:

BYLAWS

Committee:                                                            

Date Approved:                                                             

1.    A quorum for both regular and special meetings shall consist of two-thirds (2/3) of the membership or the next higher whole number if a fraction.

2.    To pass, a motion must receive a majority vote of the members in attendance unless otherwise indicated in these bylaws.

3.    The Committee shall hold a regular meeting no less than once a month during the academic year.

4.    A regular meeting shall have a duration of fifty (50) minutes.

5.    A regular meeting may exceed fifty (50) minutes only by unanimous approval of members in attendance.

6.    At a regular meeting, two-thirds (2/3) of the membership (or the next higher whole number if a fraction) may schedule a special meeting.

7.    Special meetings also may be called by the Chairperson after consulting with all members.  A special meeting must be scheduled for a time when all members can be reasonably be expected to be available.

8.    The length of a special meeting shall be set by unanimous approval of the members in attendance.

9.    All meetings shall be conducted according to Roberts Rules of Order unless otherwise indicated in these bylaws.

1.    The Chairperson shall set the agenda for both regular and special meetings.

2.    The Chairperson shall make the agenda for both regular and special meetings available to each member no less than one week prior to a regular meeting.

3.    Committee members, the President of the College, or the Federation President may list items on the agenda of a regular meeting by submitting it in writing to the committee chairperson at least ten (10) days prior to the scheduled meeting.

4.    The agenda for a special meeting must be approved by two-thirds (2/3) of the membership (or the next higher whole number if a fraction) at the special meeting.

5.    Additional agenda items for both regular and special meetings must be approved by two-thirds (2/3) of the membership (or the next higher whole number if a fraction).

1.    All members are expected to attend all meetings.

2.    In the case of an unavoidable absence, an alternate from the committee may be designated by the absent member to act with the full power of the member.  The proxy must be submitted in writing and be signed by the absent member.  A proxy is used in constituting a quorum for a meeting.

3.    Failure of any member to provide active service and attendance will lead to a formal request by the committee for a replacement to be appointed.

1.    A Chairperson and a Recorder shall be elected to one-year terms, with re-election possible. (Note- some committees choose to rotate the Recorder's duties to a different committee member at each meeting).

2.    The Chairperson shall set the agenda for each meeting, making it available to each member at least than one week prior to a regular meeting.

3.    The Chairperson may call special meetings after consulting all members.  The Chairperson shall prepare the agenda for a special meeting to submit at the time for approval.

4.    The Recorder shall record the minutes for each meeting and distribute them within one (1) week to each committee member and, after approval, to each College Committee Chairperson, the President of the College, The Federation President, and the Student Government.

5.    The Chairperson is responsible for the posting and distribution of copies of all committee agendas, minutes and reports required by the committee's charge.

1.    Minutes shall include 1) the names of members in attendance and proxies held, 2) a list of topics discussed, whether reaching a voting stage or not, and 3) a listing of all motions, including a numerical record of final votes (ayes, nays, and abstentions).

2.    Provision shall be made for absent members to record in the minutes the reasons for their absences should they choose.

3.    Provisions shall be made for members to respond in the minutes their positions on final votes should they choose.

4.    Approval of the minutes for each regular meeting shall be placed on the agenda of the next regular meeting.

5.    Approval of the minutes for any special meeting shall be placed on the agenda of the next regular meeting.

1.    The number of student members of this committee is ____ (  ).

1.    Revision of these bylaws may be made by a positive vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the membership (or next higher whole number if a fraction) at a regular meeting.